The leatherman is a great tool. I have a few myself and yes they can be used as an improvised weapon; but I think we can all agree that a Leatherman (or for that matter a screwdriver is hardly a first choice for self defense at least WHERE CARRYING FIREARMS ARE AND OPTION.

Thats the big difference. Criminals by definition do not obey laws SO laws which are only black ink on white paper do not effect them during their crimes (maybe after but not during). In a place where civilians can not legally own or carry handguns, then they must access the risk of getting caught with a gun VS getting caught without one. In those places carrying a leatherman tool for defensive purposes may also be a crime--ask the man in Britain who defended his home from a burglar with a cricket bat but didnt play criket and was charged with assault.